Overview:

St. Peter's Square Colonnades, also known as the Bernini Colonnades, are two gigantic colonnades designed by the Italian artist and architect, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, in 1656-1667 to frame the entrance into St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City. The colonnades consist of four rows of Doric columns that form two concentric circles. The inner circle consists of 284 columns, and the outer circle has 88 columns. The huge semi-elliptical colonnades symbolize a massive embracing gesture with their doublefold arms. The colonnades are seen as an expression of Baroque architecture and provide an impressive backdrop for visitors to the Vatican. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

St. Peter's Square, located in Vatican City, is a huge plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica. The square is an oval shape, measuring 260 meters in length and 240 meters in width and was designed by Bernini in 1656. It is surrounded by two colonnades, each of which has four rows of Doric columns. There are 284 stone columns in total, each providing a total of 88 arcades. At the center of the square stands a large fountain designed by Carlo Maderno, which is a popular gathering spot for tourists. The backdrop to the square is St. Peter's Basilica and the obelisk that was placed there in 1586. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Colonnades of St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Rome, have a long and interesting history. They are a powerful symbol of power and divinity, and have been a part of the landscape for centuries. Construction of the Colonnades began in 1656, under the command of the great Baroque-style architect Bernini. The entire structure was completed on his death in 1667, and celebrates the Christian faith with an impressive display of marble columns and statues. The two giant semicircles of St. Peter’s Square, each containing 140 columns, form the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica. The columns are made of Carrara marble and each contains carefully carved biblical scenes. These beautiful columns are crowned with statues of Jesus Christ at the centre, with St. Peter and St. Paul on each side. There are also statues of numerous saints from around the world. The Colonnades of St. Peter’s Square are a defining symbol of Christianity, and continue to be a powerful reminder of the faith’s core values. Every summer, the square hosts religious ceremonies presided over by the Roman Catholic Church. It is also a regular destination for tourists from around the world, who come to witness the grandeur of the colonnades and to marvel at the beauty of Rome. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The two grand colonnades that define St. Peter’s Square were constructed between 1656 and 1667 and designed by the Italian architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. 2. The colonnades enclose an elliptical area of 320 m (1,050 ft.) by 240 m (790 ft.). 3. It is said that the colonnades are meant to embrace visitors of the square in a giant “open arms” gesture, symbolizing the Church’s welcoming nature. 4. The colonnades contain 284 columns that are 20 meters (66 ft.) high and each column is made of the same type of granite – stolen from the temple of Solomon, transported to Rome and finally, composed to make these columns. 5. In total, the two colonnades have 146 columns on each side – each one topped with a Doric capital. 6. Bernini also incorporated four different types of floral symbols in the capitals, symbolizing Jesus’ greeting for any visitors standing in the square. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.